Diabetes mellitus, also known as just Diabetes, is a condition that makes a person have high glucose levels (sugar levels). One cause of diabetes is because the body isn't producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. The cells absorb the glucose, and turn it into energy.
There are three types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is where the body does not produce enough insulin, causing the person to need to inject insulin directly into the body. Type 2 diabetes is where the body has an insulin resistance, failing to use the insulin cells properly. And the last type of diabetes is for pregnant women. It is called Gestational diabetes, which causes them to have high glucose levels during their pregnancies.
Diabetes can be controlled and even removed. To control diabetes, you can either inject insulin into the body for type 1 diabetes, or take tablets for type 2 diabetes. To remove diabetes completely from the body, you must have a Pancreas Transplant.
Instead of injecting your insulin with just a regular needle, you can get a medical device that pumps the insulin into your body by programming the little machince, to give the right amount of insulin.
For some, the insulin pump is a very good and freeing device. With the pump, you can plan your insulin around your life instead of planning your life around your insulin shots. The insulin pump uses a catheter needle, meaning that you only have to insert one needle once every 2 to 3 days. And for most, this is very appealing. Another good thing about the pump is that it is proven to keep your blood sugars closer to normal the majority of the time then the insulin shots. The pump is an easier, more efficient way to find the right dose, without causing low blood sugar.
On the other hand, there are some people who are opposed to the pump. Learning how to take care of the pump, and how to use it, can be confusing and a bit difficult. Using the needle may seem easier and less of a hassle. With an insulin pump, people find that it is hard to detect when your blood sugar is going low. This could be a major downfall to some. There is also the possibility of infection, and technical difficulties without you knowing. And last, the pump is costly. The pumps cost as much as $6000. Although it is covered by most insurances, there are restrictions and tight guidelines to follow.
Approximately 200,000 Americans use pump therapy, and an estimated 100,000 more use insulin pumps in other parts of the world (as of 2003). The pump is growing worldwide, and people of all ages use them.
The insulin pump can go either way. You are more free to do what you want to do with the pump, but it can be a bit more to handle. All in all, deciding on whether or not to get an insulin pump ultimately depends on your lifestyle. If you are a person who is into sports and outdoors, and maybe a bit forgetful regarding your shot time, the pump would be a good thought to consider. If you are a person who is used to the shot, cannot grasp new technology well, and may be even a bit scared, sticking to the shot may be whats right for you. In the end, the pump has changed and saved thousands of lives.
References
http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/b46.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulin_pump
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ReplyDeleteI like how you explained the advantages and disadvantages of using the insulin pump, it really helped me understand why not everybody would want to use them. I think that the pump would be a good choice for some people so they don’t always have to worry about taking their shots.
You had said that the pump uses a catheter needle and they have to insert a new needle every 2-3 days, how does the needle stay on to the body, and does it hurt? Do the people using the pump have to have it attached to them at all times, even when sleeping, showering, or even playing sports? You had stated that the pumps are usually around $6000, is that a high price compared to just taking the shots when you need them?
I understand that the pump has helped save many lives, but has it ever had any complications, like not giving the person the right about of insulin when they needed it? Overall, I think that the insulin pump is a great idea that is helping many people live happier lives because they don’t have to worry as much.
Thank you for giving enough information about Diabetes Because I am Suffering from it..
ReplyDeletei am totally agree with you insulin pump is more help then other.....